News Archives - Prestatyn-Scala.info

13th November 20161st April 2018

Exhibition Achievement Award for Merlin Cinema’s Owner

Geoff Greaves receiving his award at the 2016 Screen Awards ceremony.

Merlin Cinemas, operator of Prestatyn’s award winning Scala Cinema, have reported that they are proud and delighted to announce that their boss and owner of Merlin Cinemas, Mr Geoff Greaves was awarded with the Honorary Exhibition Achievement Award, at this year’s Screen Awards in London. The award is sponsored by the UK Cinema Association.

“This is an extremely prestigious industry award that celebrates the exciting business we work in and the dedication of those that keep it alive. Geoff bought his first cinema in 1990, The Savoy Penzance, and since then Merlin Cinemas has grown to 14 cinemas across Cornwall, Devon, Gloucestershire, Norfolk, North Wales and North Scotland.
On behalf of all of us at Merlin Cinemas we would like to congratulate Geoff on his achievements, his unwavering dedication to cinema, and his passion to keep cinemas local and part of communities across the UK. “

Earlier this year in September, Screendaily reported:

Owner of Merlin Cinemas, Mr Geoff Greaves.

Geoff Greaves, owner and operator of the UK’s Merlin Cinemas chain, will be presented with the honorary Exhibition Achievement Award, sponsored by the UK Cinema Association, at this year’s Screen Awards.

Starting his career at ABC Cinemas and Cinema International Corporation, Greaves began his own business in 1990, renovating the Savoy Cinemas in Penzance. Today, Merlin Cinemas operates 42 screens across 14 sites across the UK.

Mr Greaves was presented with the honour at this year’s Screen Awards ceremony on October 20 at The Brewery in London.

Commenting on the announcement, Geoff Greaves said:

“I am honoured to accept this award, not just for myself, but at least as much for the people who have surrounded me and shared my vision as I have looked to build Merlin Cinemas since its inception.”

The UKCA’s Phil Clapp added:

“I am delighted that we are making this Award to Geoff. It represents long-overdue recognition of the creativity and commitment that he has brought to the independent cinema sector. Each of his 14 sites bears testament to his personal dedication and energy.”

Prestatyn-Scala.info extends its congratulations to Mr Greaves.

Rhyl Journal: Proposals put forward for new operator to take over lease of Prestatyn’s Scala cinema

The current tenant of a Prestatyn cinema has put forward a proposal for a new operator – just nine months after taking it on.

Prestatyn's Scala Cinema (Credit: Rhyl Journal) — Prestatyn’s Scala Cinema (Credit: Rhyl Journal)

Denbighshire County Council confirmed that they are “in discussion” with the existing leaseholder about a potential new operator. Rob Arthur became the new leaseholder of the Scala Cinema last July.

The new operator – believed to be Geoff Greaves, director of Merlin Cinemas – is expected to be at the helm from Friday. Those in the cinema industry have commented that Mr Greaves has “better access to big films” – The Jungle Book is to be shown this weekend.

Mr Arthur, ex-Apollo cinema chief, has been criticised by cinema-goers for not showing “blockbusters and top films” such as Kung Fu Panda 3 and Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Last September, Mr Arthur reassured cinema-goers that the future of the Scala cinema was “safe” after his complex in Thurso shut its doors. Mr Arthur took over the Scottish Highlands based cinema in 2012 and had been striving to find funds to keep the business afloat. The new operators of the complex in Thurso is Merlin Cinemas.

A spokesperson from Denbighshire County Council said:

“We are in discussion with the existing leaseholder about a potential new operator for the Scala and we are pleased with how the discussions are progressing.”
“Whilst we are the landlord, we have a strong interest in the Scala continuing to operate as a successful cinema and important facility in Prestatyn. We are more than happy to facilitate discussions with the current operator to allow that to continue”.

Trevor Harris, former owner of Oswestry’s Regal Cinema who writes a column for Screentrade magazine, said:

“I often speak with my film rental contacts and it is common knowledge that Geoff Greaves is to have the lease transferred over to him – as soon as Friday. He has got two Disney films already lined up. He is good – just watch what he does with the Scala.”

Dr James Davies, MP for Vale of Clwyd, said:

“The Scala is now an established and important facility in Prestatyn. I am pleased that it looks set to benefit from an improved offer, including better access to big films, starting with Jungle Book this weekend.”

Attempts have been made to contact Rob Arthur.

Source: Rhyl Journal News Article 12 April 2016 by Suzanne Jordan

23rd January 20168th August 2017

Press Release – Friends of the Scala To Fold

IT’S THE END OF AN ERA

The Friends of the Scala have decided to fold. This decision has been taken because, as a registered charity, the Friends of the Scala can no longer support the Scala cinema as it is now a commercial enterprise. This is not a sad event; firstly, the Friends have achieved what they initially aimed to do, namely the rebuilding of the cinema after it’s closure in 2000. Secondly, they continued to support the Scala when it was run as a charitable company. The Friends now feel that the future of the cinema is in safe hands and we look forward to it’s continued success.

The Friends would like to thank the residents of Prestatyn for their support; without such support, the Friends could not have raised thousands of pounds that helped to purchase many items for the Scala. The Friends have £1,153.82 remaining and it has been decided to donate these funds to the Prestatyn Carnival Committee. The carnival have supported the Friends for many years and therefore it only seems right to pass these funds over to them so the people of the town will continue to benefit from them.

Sandra Pitt

President of The Friends of the Scala Cinema and Arts Centre

Friends Of The Scala presenting funds to Prestatyn Carnival Committee 18.01.16 (Photo: David Francis)

16th September 20151st April 2018

Rhyl Journal: Scala cinema welcomes 10,000 customers in two months

A cinema boss has a noticeable spring in his step after welcoming more than 10,000 customers in just over two months.

Aurora Leisure Ltd, run by Rob Arthur, became the new leaseholder of the Scala Cinema Theatre Cafebar in Prestatyn earlier this year.

The venue opened its doors on Friday, July 2, and, in the weeks since, visitor figures have exceeded expectations.

Mr Arthur is still in the throes of re-opening parts of the business. The Courtyard Cafe is up and running and work has started on the former Saronies bar on the first floor.

Days ago, the spirits of the ex-Apollo chief were dampened when his complex in Thurso shut its doors. Mr Arthur, who took over the Scottish Highlands based cinema in 2012, had been striving to find funds to keep the business afloat.

Thurso cinema does not form part of the Aurora Group. Thurso comes under Thurso Cinema Ltd and is separate to Aurora Leisure Ltd.

Mr Arthur, who is from Bathgate and married with two children, said: “I’ve been involved in Thurso for three years so it’s sad. The staff have worked so hard. There is every likelihood that it could open again in the future, but we couldn’t commit any longer.”
“Thurso’s closure doesn’t impact on Prestatyn. It would have had a negative impact on Prestatyn if it had belonged to Aurora. Aurora Leisure Ltd is absolutely on and it is working. Since the Scala opened, we’ve had 10,000 customers through the door. The number has exceeded our initial expectations. We haven’t made a big noise, we opened quietly and customers have become familiar with the building once more.”

Aurora Leisure took on the Scala after members of the former trust agreed to hand back their keys and lease to the council in January after efforts to save the venue failed.

A Denbighshire County Council spokesperson added: “We are happy with how well the Scala has done in its first weeks of operating and the response from the public has been extremely positive. Rob has advised us that there is no impact on the cinema from the closure of the Thurso and we will be meeting with him this week to discuss this.”

Source: Rhyl Journal news article 16.09.15 by Suzanne Jordan

1st July 20151st April 2018

Daily Post: New dawn for Prestatyn’s Scala Cinema and Arts Centre

The complex, which will create around 20 new jobs, will reopen as a community cinema under a new leaseholder this week

A new curtain will mark a new dawn when a community cinema reopens later this week.

The Scala Cinema and Arts Centre in Prestatyn will be transformed into a “hub for the benefit of the community” with the creation of up to 20 new jobs.

Its delayed unveiling, set to take place on Friday, follows issues with paperwork and updating old equipment.

But the High Street complex is almost ready to impress with the introduction of Sony’s latest Digital Cinema 4K projectors and a new satellite for streaming live events.

Rob Arthur, the lease holder of the Prestatyn Scala cinema (Credit: Daily Post)

New leaseholder, Rob Arthur from Aurora Leisure Ltd said his company’s takeover will mark a “new dawn” for the attraction, which suffered a tarnished past before closing down in January.

Today he engaged with members of the community during a series of public events to find out what people want from their cinema.

He revealed the venue will re-open “gradually from the bottom up” – starting with the box office and screens – while ideas for some of the other facilities are thrashed out.

He said: “Our intention is to ensure the Scala is a welcoming, vibrant and exciting addition to the High Street and is there to serve the community, providing exactly the kinds of entertainment and facilities for as many groups as possible. That is why we want to hold these public meetings so that we start off on the right foot from the word go.”

The Scala, which offers two 150-seat auditoria, live performance space, dining and conference facilities and a media suite, will become “more like a traditional cinema” with reasonably priced tickets and packages for families, pensioners and children.

The image quality will be four times better than the previous projection equipment and will also enable 3D and the booking of live events.

There are also plans for a film festival later this year and local projects will be showcased at the start of film screenings.

Prestatyn's Scala Cinema (Credit Daily Post March 2015) — Prestatyn’s Scala Cinema (Credit Daily Post March 2015)

“It’s an absolute travesty that the Scala was closed but already, we’ve provided £125,000 of immediate investment and have allocated capital where we think it is needed,” said Mr Arthur, who has a prominent theatre-led background.
“We want to create something more engaging, different to what we already have here in the town.”
“It will probably take between six and nine months to get everything finished (upstairs cafe, bar, conference facilities) how we want them to be but we want to get it right.”

The 115-year-old building, which started life as a town hall, was saved from the scrapheap by passionate community campaigners, calling for it to be restored to its former glory after structural issues forced it to close in 2000.

In 2007, its future was safeguarded by what became the Friends of Scala group.

But the venue hit turbulent times and had outstanding debts of around £180,000 by the time it closed in January.

Cllr Bob Paterson, Mayor of Prestatyn Town Council, said: “The Scala is one of the most iconic cinemas in Wales and one of the main focal points on Prestatyn’s high street – we are looking forward to it reopening and welcome the work that Rob is doing to engage with the community. The Scala will become a central part of our town’s vibrant events’ programme so we are delighted it is in such good hands.”

Source: Daily Post news article 01.07.15 by Kelly Williams | Video courtesy of Daily Post

29th June 20159th October 2016

DCC – A new era for the Scala dawns with a series of public meetings Scala

A new era for the Scala dawns with a series of public meetings Scala, 1 July, 4pm and 6pm.

New leaseholder, Rob Arthur, of Aurora Leisure Ltd, is keen to mark a new beginning for the Prestatyn venue by holding public meetings to meet the local community to find out first hand what people want to see there.

“I am delighted to say I’ve had a really warm welcome to the area and I feel it is really important that we begin this new era for the Scala with an open and honest dialogue with local people – after all, we will be the custodians of what will primarily be a hub for the benefit of the community.”

Plans to reopen the Scala are well underway and it is hoped the venue will be up and running by 3 July and as an extra special kickstart, the cinema will now boast state of the art Sony Digital Cinema 4k projectors which offer four times the image quality than the previous projection equipment and will also enable 3D and the booking of live Cinema Events.

Rob added: “Our intention is to ensure the Scala is a welcoming, vibrant and exciting addition to the High Street and is there to serve the community, providing exactly the kinds of entertainment and facilities for as many groups as possible. That is why we want to hold these public meetings so that we start off on the right foot from the word go.”

Aurora Leisure Ltd was set up by Rob in 2012 and he brings with him a wealth of experience in the UK and International Cinema sector for the past 24 years. Rob was Managing Director of Apollo Cinemas, overseeing an estate of 14 cinemas and 83 screens including Rhyl until its sale in 2012, and has extensive international cinema opening and operating experience including the development of the award-winning Thurso Cinema in the Scottish Highlands.

Denbighshire’s Lead Member for Leisure and Tourism and Youth, Huw Jones, said:

“We were pleased to select Rob and Aurora Leisure Ltd as our new tenant and operator of the cinema and it has been great to work with him and learn more about his exciting plans for the venue.”
“From the start, we were committed to finding an operator and making sure the facility remained open for the community. As a Council, we have continued to invest in leisure facilities and always looking at ways to keep these important facilities open and available to the public.”
“We know it’s taken some time but with new, top of the range projection equipment now installed, I’m sure everyone will agree it’s been worth the wait and we are grateful for the support of the public.”
“Judging by his notable success with similar ventures across Scotland, we are confident we will see the same success here in the Scala, which is a key asset for Prestatyn town centre and the local economy.”

Cllr Bob Paterson, Mayor of Prestatyn Town Council, said:

“The Scala is one of the most iconic cinemas in Wales and one of the main focal points on Prestatyn’s high street – we are looking forward to it reopening and welcome the work that Rob is doing to engage with the community. The Scala will become a central part of our town’s vibrant events’ programme so we are delighted it is in such good hands.”

The public meetings will be held at the Scala on 1 July and will be at 4pm and 6pm.

Source link: DCC Press Release 29.06.15